US11547244B2 - Unit of a coffee apparatus having a bean container, a portioning device and a grinder - Google Patents

Abstract

A unit of a coffee apparatus, in particular a coffee machine for brewing a coffee drink, includes a coffee bean container for storing the coffee beans, a portioner for portioning the coffee beans for an individual portion, and a grinder for grinding the portioned coffee beans. The coffee bean container and the portioner are formed in a common container module. The unit has a module receptacle, by which the container module can be connected during use and removed after use, and the container module has settings for a portion amount and a degree of grinding, which can be selected by the user. The portion amount setting influences the portioner and the degree of grinding setting influences the grinder. A simple, cost-effective and easy-to-use information exchange module between coffee container and coffee apparatus is thereby created.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the United States national phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2018/086732 filed Dec. 21, 2018, and claims priority to Eurpoean Patent Application Nos. 17210032.3 filed Dec. 22, 2017, 18175384.9 filed May 31, 2018, and 18198887.4 filed Oct. 5, 2018, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUNDTechnical Field

The present invention relates to a unit of a coffee apparatus for preparing a coffee beverage, in particular of a coffee machine for brewing a coffee beverage or of an espresso coffee grinder, as well as to a container module for a unit of this type.

Technical Considerations

Coffee is a natural stimulant which requires expert preparation. In order for coffee to be able to develop its aroma in an optimal manner, the coffee beans should always be ground just immediately prior to preparing the coffee, for example. However, this is often not sufficient in order to guarantee an optimum coffee experience.

In each grinding cycle, significant residuals of ground coffee powder remain in the grinder, in the powder duct, and in the metering unit. This leads to freshly ground coffee being mixed with old coffee powder. For this reason, the machine manufacturers recommend in most cases to discard two to three servings of coffee when a coffee machine has not been used for some time. The coffee may otherwise taste rancid because old coffee powder has to some extent been used in the preparation.

Moreover, the aroma of the subsequently brewed coffee beverage, in particular when changing the type of coffee, is negatively influenced by virtue of said residuals, since types are mixed in the machine when a change of the type of coffee takes place.

In existing coffee machines there is furthermore also the disadvantage that not the exactly predetermined quantity of coffee powder is used for producing the beverage but that in each case a non-defined mixed quantity of old and new coffee powder makes its way into the brewing unit.

The correct grinding degree is furthermore very important in order for all aromatic substances to develop in an optimal manner. In fully automatic coffee machines, coffee powder is typically produced from espresso beans and, for example, from latte coffee beans or else from lungo beans, using the same degree of fineness. However, it is extremely important that the corresponding dark-roasted or lightly roasted coffee beans are also ground using the correct grinding degree.

A plurality of systems which enable the preparation of a coffee beverage from the coffee bean to the brewed beverage in the coffee cup are known. Said systems to some extent also address the above problems without however offering a cost-effective and comprehensive solution.

The systems disclosed in WO 2011/102720 A1 are relatively complicated and complex and thus too expensive for domestic use.

EP 1 700 549 proposes to use at least two bean containers having in each case one associated grinder. Machines of this type are however too expensive for domestic use. Moreover, the set of problems pertaining to the trapped residual amounts and to the loss of aroma is not eliminated thereby.

WO 2013/078437 proposes to clean the machine between individual brewing procedures. This solution is likewise too expensive for domestic use and is also too time-consuming for commercial applications.

Furthermore known are different metering devices for coffee beans. U.S. Pat. No. 2,584,781 andFR 2 755 431 thus disclose rotatable metering chambers for coffee, tea, sugar, cocoa powder, or flour. DE 93 08 402 U discloses a coffee powder container having an integrated rotatable metering chamber. This container is intended to be subsequently held above a filter so as to pour the pre-metered quantity of coffee powder into the filter. Hot water is subsequently poured into the filter and a plurality of portions of coffee are thus conjointly brewed.FR 2 565 088 shows a metering device in the form of a chamber between a coffee bean container and a grinder. The metering device is rotated about a horizontal axis so as to feed a pre-defined quantity of beans into the grinder.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to achieve an apparatus which in a simple manner enables a coffee beverage to be prepared in an optimal manner without the coffee aroma being compromised by previous preparations and without the user having to carry out time-consuming adjustments on the coffee apparatus.

The unit according to the invention of a coffee apparatus, in particular of a coffee machine for brewing a coffee beverage or of an espresso coffee mill, has a coffee bean container for storing the coffee beans, a portioning device for metering the coffee beans for a coffee beverage, and a grinder for grinding the metered coffee beans. The coffee bean container and the portioning device are configured in a common container module. The unit has a module receptacle to which the container module when in use is connectable and from which said container module after use is removable.

The container module has user-selectable settings of a metered quantity and of a grinding degree, wherein the setting of the metered quantity affects the portioning device and the setting of the grinding degree affects the grinder.

A coffee apparatus in this text is understood to be a coffee machine having a grinder and a brewing apparatus, or else a coffee mill which in terms of the housing grinds coffee beans separately from a brewing apparatus but can make available said coffee beans for use soon or directly thereafter, respectively, in a brewing apparatus. Said coffee mills are usually referred to as espresso coffee mills wherein said espresso coffee mills, depending on the embodiment, can also provide coffee powder for lungo coffees and dual-portion coffees in one single grinding procedure. For reasons of simplicity, mention in the text hereunder is made only of coffee machines, wherein the coffee mills described above and similar apparatuses for preparing the coffee are included.

A “coffee beverage” in this text is usually understood to be a single cup or two cups of coffee, since the coffee machines are in each case configured for this type of simultaneous preparation. However, the term also comprises the preparation of a larger quantity of coffee, for example a small can of coffee which is filled with coffee from a single metering procedure and a single grinding procedure.

Since the settings pertaining to the grinding degree and to the metering, which depend on the type of coffee bean and also on the taste of the respective user, can be set directly on the container module, said settings are fixedly associated with the stored type of coffee bean. Since said settings are taken into account and implemented without any further action by the user when connecting the container module to the remaining part of the coffee machine, said settings do not have to be set again on the machine each time this type of coffee is used again. The handling is thus simple, and the susceptibility to errors is minimized. Since the portioning device is disposed conjointly with the coffee bean container in one module, aromatic substances which remain in the portioning device cannot compromise any subsequent use since the same type of coffee is indeed used again, or since the container module including the portioning device is indeed replaced when changing the type of coffee.

It is recommended to design or to operate, respectively, the grinder such that said grinder is completely emptied after each grinding procedure and no ground coffee powder remains in the grinder. Solutions to this end are well known.

The unit according to the invention thus at all times offers freshly brewed coffee without compromising the aroma. Changing of the type of bean is possible in a simple manner. The remaining beans can be stored without the loss of aroma, thanks to the container module which is closable in an airtight or almost airtight manner. The settings on the coffee machine can be changed in a simple manner depending on the beans and the user, wherein parameters once set for a type of coffee do not have to be set again when the machine is used later, even when another type of coffee has been brewed in the intervening time. Since the container module does not have to have any electronic components, said container module can be produced in a relatively cost-effective manner. In other embodiments, in particular for the hospitality sector or for machines in a higher price category, the container module preferably also has electronic components.

In simple embodiments, all of the settings are performed manually, and the effect of the settings on the portioning device or the grinder, respectively, takes place by mechanical means. In other embodiments, parts thereof are electronically controlled.

Depending on the embodiment, the machine is started, that is to say the grinding procedure and the brewing procedure are performed, after carrying out the settings on the portioning device and on the grinder. In other embodiments, a brewing program can be set on the machine, for example the brewing temperature and/or the duration of the grinding procedure and/or of the brewing procedure, depending on the type of coffee or the individual requirements of the user. In further embodiments, the container module has corresponding instructions to the user or to the control system of the coffee machine. If the control system of the coffee machine is to automatically implement these additional items of information, a reading apparatus for identifying said items of information pertaining to the type of coffee or other settings and for transmitting said items of information to the control system is preferably present in the receptacle module or at another suitable location of the coffee machine.

The setting of the metered quantity and/or the setting of the grinding degree are/is preferably able to be carried out manually. Depending on the embodiment, one or both of said settings is/are to be able to be carried out prior to connecting the container module to the module receptacle. On account thereof, the desired settings can be performed already when filling the container, and all settings have been preset in the desired manner when said container is used. Moreover, filled containers of this type can already be marketed with recommended pre-settings. Moreover, fresh setting does not have to be performed for each new use, wherein the setting can however of course also be changed for every new use. In other embodiments, one of the settings, or both of the settings, is/are alternatively or additionally still able to be changed even after connecting the container module to the module receptacle. On account thereof, different variants of settings can be tested without the container module having to be removed between said settings.

In preferred embodiments a rotation safeguard which prevents the portioning device from being prematurely emptied is present. This rotation safeguard is preferably cancelled when the container module is fastened or placed, respectively, almost completely or completely on the coffee apparatus.

The module receptacle preferably establishes a connection between the portioning device and the grinder, wherein the module receptacle and the grinder are disposed on or in a housing of the coffee machine. On account thereof, the unit is configured in a compact manner, and coffee machines for private use can also be configured using this unit.

In one embodiment, the settings of the metered quantity and of the grinding degree are performed mechanically. The effect of the settings on the portioning device and on the grinder likewise preferably takes place mechanically. This is a simple, robust and cost-effective solution, in particular for machines for private use.

In other embodiments, the settings of the portioning device and/or of the grinder are performed electronically.

In one embodiment, the effect of the setting of the grinder takes place by way of a sensor which is disposed in the module receptacle, wherein the sensor communicates with the control system of the apparatus.

In one embodiment, the container module has a writable data memory for communicating with a read/write unit of the module receptacle, wherein at least data pertaining to a current grinding degree setting of the grinder is able to be stored in the data memory.

In preferred embodiments, the portioning device after connecting the container module to the module receptacle is activatable by means of a drive which is external to the container module, so as to provide a selected metered quantity in the portioning device and to supply said metered quantity to the grinder. This solution minimizes the susceptibility to errors and simplifies the operation of the coffee machine. The user just has to dock the container module to the machine and switch on the machine.

The portioning device preferably has a metering chamber, wherein the received volume of the metering chamber is variable for the purpose of setting the metered quantity. The metering chamber is a simple and cost-effective means for processing coffee beans in the desired quantity.

Sensors or other energy-consuming measuring means on the container module can be dispensed with on account thereof. The container module can thus be embodied in a relatively simple and cost-effective manner. Said container module, in particular in the absence of electronic components, can in particular be configured so as to be completely washable.

In one preferred embodiment, the portioning device has a first rotating disk and a second rotating disk, the mutual spacing of said disks being variable, and said first rotating disk and said second rotating disk being conjointly rotatable relative to the coffee bean container and relative to a base of the portioning device. The metering chamber is configured between the first rotating disk and the second rotating disk, wherein the metering chamber, depending on the rotary position of the first rotating disk and the second rotating disk, is open in relation to either of the two components of coffee bean container and grinder and closed in relation to the other of said two components.

In one preferred embodiment, the portioning device has a first chamber part and a second chamber part, said chamber parts being mutually displaceable in the axial direction. The metering chamber is configured between the first chamber part and the second chamber part. The metering chamber, depending on the rotary position of at least one of the two chamber parts, is open in relation to either of the two components of coffee bean container and grinder and closed in relation to the other of said two components.

These configurations of a metering chamber can also be used in other coffee machines, that is to say so as not to be coupled to the container module according to the invention. Said configurations of a metering chamber are therefore likewise claimed as a separate invention.

A setting ring which is disposed so as to be rotatable on a circumference of the coffee bean container is preferably present for setting the metered quantity. Depending on the embodiment, the coffee bean container or the portioning device when setting rotates conjointly with the setting ring relative to the remaining part of the module housing. However, in one preferred embodiment, the coffee bean container, and preferably likewise the remaining housing of the container module, do not conjointly rotate with said setting ring.

In preferred embodiments the grinder has two grinding disks, wherein at least one of the two grinding disks as a function of the setting of the grinding degree is displaceable when or after connecting the container module to the module receptacle.

In preferred embodiments the container module has a grinding degree setting device which when connecting the container module to the module receptacle is able to be mechanically and operatively connected to the grinder, on account of which the spacing of grinding disks of the grinder is varied.

A non-rotating fixed grinding disk is preferably displaceable by means of the setting, and a rotating race disk is not displaceable by means of the setting. The arrangement is the exact reverse in other embodiments, that is to say that the fixed grinding disk is not displaceable by means of the setting, and the race disk is correspondingly displaceable.

The setting of the grinding degree on the container module is preferably able to be operatively connected to a rotatable setting disk of the module receptacle, wherein the setting disk is operatively connected to a rotatable union nut of the grinder, and wherein a first grinding disk by virtue of the rotation of the union nut is displaceable relative to a second grinding disk such that the spacing of said disks is varied. Preferably a non-rotating is a fixed grinding disk, and the second grinding disk is a rotating race grinding disk.

This configuration of the displaceable fixed grinding disk and the axially non-displaceable race disk, in particular when said disks are disposed so as to be horizontal or almost horizontal, can also be used in other coffee machines, that is to say so as not to be coupled to the container module according to the invention. This embodiment is therefore likewise claimed as a separate invention.

The container module preferably has a setting means for setting the grinding degree, wherein said setting means is disposed on the lower side or on the circumference of the container module. The configuration on the circumference has the advantage that the setting means is better accessible and the container does not have to be tilted or even placed upside down in order for the setting to be changed. In one preferred embodiment, said setting means is a setting ring which is disposed so as to be rotatable on a circumference of the coffee bean container. The setting ring for setting the grinding degree is preferably also rotatable relative to the coffee bean container and preferably also relative to the remaining part of the external housing of the container module. “Rotatable” in the entire text is understood so as to be also pivotable about an angle of less than 360°, where this is technically expedient.

In preferred embodiments, the setting of the grinding degree is also manually variable in the case of an mounted container module. The setting of the grinding degree in the case of an mounted container module can preferably be varied in the direction of a finer grinding degree as well as in the direction of a coarser grinding degree.

In preferred embodiments, the coffee bean container is releasably connected to the portioning device, wherein the portioning device conjointly with a grinding degree setting device for setting the grinding degree forms a sub-module which is configured for connecting to the module receptacle. This releasable connection enables more simple cleaning of the container module and moreover enables that single-use coffee bean containers can be used which are disposed of after having been completely emptied.

The grinder preferably has a conveying rotor which drives the grinding disk, that is to say a rotor shaft or a rotating axle which is disposed so as to run almost or exactly horizontally, and which is connected to an electric motor. Preferably a horizontal grinder is thus used. This saves space and better guarantees that the grinder can be completely emptied after each grinding procedure.

In preferred embodiments the grinder has a bean inlet duct which is configured so as to be arcuate. This facilitates the complete and gentle emptying of the metering chamber and guarantees optimum feeding of the conveyed coffee beans into the grinder. The conveying rotor preferably extends into the bean inlet duct. This arrangement guarantees that all coffee beans are conveyed through the grinder and are thus ground by the latter. The grinder and in particular the coffee powder outlet thereof are designed such that no ground coffee powder is left behind but the entire metered quantity of the ground coffee beans in each case makes its way into the brewing unit.

The container module according to the invention has a coffee bean container for storing the coffee beans and a portioning device for metering the coffee beans for the coffee beverage, wherein the container module has connecting means for releasably connecting to the module receptacle of the coffee machine, and wherein the container module has user-selectable settings of a metered quantity and of a grinding degree. The setting of the metered quantity affects the portioning device, and the setting of the grinding degree affects the grinder. A plurality of container modules of this type can be used per coffee machine, wherein said container modules are individually connected to the module receptacle. Depending on the configuration of the coffee machine, said coffee machine may also have a plurality of module receptacles having in each case associated grinders, or having a common grinder for all module receptacles. The grinding degree setting device which mechanically acts on the grinder is preferably likewise part of the container module.

The individual container modules enable different types of coffee having already set parameters for the brewing of the coffee to be stored and for said parameters to be implemented when coupling to the coffee machine without any further input by the user. A simple, cost-effective and simple-to-operate information exchange module between the coffee container and the coffee machine has thus been achieved.

Depending on the field of application, said unit comprises the grinder, or a conventional grinder of which the interface for the grinding disk setting is to be adapted to the unit according to the invention is used. A unit in which the grinder is not part of the unit is therefore also claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described hereunder by means of the drawings which serve only for explanatory purposes and are not to be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings:

FIG.1 shows a first exploded illustration of the apparatus according to the invention in a first embodiment, having a container module and part of the coffee machine;

FIG.2 shows a second exploded illustration of the apparatus according toFIG.1;

FIG.3 shows an illustration of the container module prior to fastening to the part of the coffee machine illustrated inFIG.1;

FIG.4 shows the container module according toFIG.1 in the assembled state in a maximum metering position;

FIG.5 shows the container module according toFIG.1 in the assembled state in a minimum metering position;

FIG.6 shows a longitudinal section through the container module according toFIG.4;

FIG.7 shows a longitudinal section through the container module according toFIG.5;

FIG.8 shows a view from above of the container module according toFIG.1 without a lid;

FIG.9 shows a first perspective illustration of a grinder setting unit;

FIG.10 shows a second perspective illustration of the grinder setting unit according toFIG.9;

FIG.11 shows a view from below of the container module according toFIG.1, in a minimum grinder setting position;

FIG.12 shows a view from below of the container module according toFIG.1, in a maximum grinder setting position;

FIG.13 shows a first exploded illustration of a mill of the apparatus according toFIG.1;

FIG.14 shows a second exploded illustration of the part of the mill according toFIG.13;

FIG.15 shows a longitudinal section through part of the mill according toFIG.13;

FIG.16ashows a perspective illustration of the apparatus prior to fastening the container module to the part of the coffee machine according toFIG.1;

FIG.16bshows a longitudinal section through the illustration according toFIG.16ain the view from the rear;

FIG.17ashows a perspective illustration of the apparatus after assembling the container module and the part of the coffee machine according toFIG.16a;

FIG.17bshows a longitudinal section through the illustration according toFIG.17ain the view from the rear;

FIG.18ashows a perspective illustration of the apparatus in a rotated terminal position of the container module on the part of the coffee machine according toFIG.16a;

FIG.18bshows a longitudinal section through the illustration according toFIG.18ain the view from the rear;

FIG.19 shows a view from below of the container module according to a second embodiment according to the invention, in a maximum grinder setting position;

FIG.20 shows a view from below of the container module according toFIG.19, in a minimum grinder setting position;

FIG.21 shows a first perspective illustration of a grinder setting unit of the embodiment according toFIG.19;

FIG.22 shows a perspective illustration of the container module in the embodiment according toFIG.19;

FIG.23 shows a schematic illustration of the unit according to the invention;

FIG.24 shows a lateral view of a container module according to the invention, according to a third embodiment;

FIG.25 shows a longitudinal section through the container module according toFIG.24, combined with a grinder;

FIG.26 shows a longitudinal section through the container module according toFIG.24, at the maximum size of the metering chamber;

FIG.27 shows a longitudinal section through the container module according toFIG.24, at the minimum size of the metering chamber;

FIG.28 shows a perspective illustration of part of the portioning device of the container module according toFIG.24;

FIG.29 shows a longitudinal section through the part according toFIG.28;

FIG.30 shows a perspective illustration of part of the portioning device and of means for setting the grinding degree of the third exemplary embodiment;

FIG.31 shows a perspective illustration from below of the container module according toFIG.24;

FIG.32 shows a view from below of the container module according toFIG.24;

FIG.33 shows a perspective illustration of part of the means for setting the grinding degree according to the third embodiment;

FIG.34 shows a lateral view of the part according toFIG.33,

FIG.35 shows a perspective illustration of a container module according to the invention, according to a fourth embodiment, in a reversed position;

FIG.36ashows in a perspective illustration a part of the elements for the grinding degree setting of the fourth embodiment according toFIG.35 in contact with the entrainer;

FIG.36bshows in a perspective illustration the part of the elements according toFIG.36aprior to contacting the entrainer;

FIG.37ashows a perspective illustration of the elements according toFIG.36aconjointly with the module receptacle in contact with the entrainer;

FIG.37bshows a perspective illustration of the elements according toFIG.36bconjointly with the module receptacle prior to contacting the entrainer;

FIG.38ashows a view from above of the elements having the module receptacle according toFIG.37ain contact with the entrainer;

FIG.38bshows a view from above of the elements having the module receptacle according toFIG.37bprior to contacting the entrainer;

FIG.38cshows a view from above of the elements according toFIG.36bprior to contacting the entrainer;

FIG.39ashows a longitudinal section through B-B according toFIG.38a;

FIG.39bshows a longitudinal section through A-A according toFIG.38b;

FIG.39cshows a longitudinal section through A-A according toFIG.38c;

FIG.40ashows a longitudinal section through the container module according toFIG.35, having a single-use or multi-use bean container, at the minimum size of the metering chamber;

FIG.40bshows a longitudinal section through the container module according toFIG.35, having a single-use or multi-use bean container, at the maximum size of the metering chamber;

FIG.41ashows a perspective illustration of the lowerrotating disk21 and of the lower housing part as well as of an active rotation safeguard;

FIG.41bshows a perspective illustration of the lowerrotating disk21 and of the lower housing part as well as of the rotation safeguard in a non-active position;

FIG.42ashows a view from above of the elements according toFIG.41a;

FIG.42bshows a view from above of the elements according toFIG.41b;

FIG.43ashows a longitudinal section through A-A according toFIG.42a;

FIG.43bshows a longitudinal section through A-A according toFIG.42b;

FIG.44ashows an enlarged fragment according toFIG.43a;

FIG.44bshows an enlarged fragment according toFIG.43b; and

FIG.45 shows an exploded illustration of part of the portioning device.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The basic concept of the invention will first be described by means of the schematic illustration according toFIG.23. Preferred embodiments of the unit according to the invention will subsequently be described by means ofFIGS.1 to22, and24 to40.

A unit according to the invention of a coffee machine for grinding and brewing a coffee beverage is identified by E inFIG.23. The unit E comprises acoffee bean container1 and a metering device disposed thereon, here referred to as theportioning device2. Said two components form acommon container module1,2. The remaining part of the unit comprises amodule receptacle3, agrinder4, and afirst motor5 for activating thegrinder4. Depending on the embodiment, adrive60, preferably having a separate second motor for activating theportioning device2, as well as acontrol system9 for controlling a unit and for transmitting signals to the remaining part of the coffee machine RK, said control system being in particular part of a brewing unit not illustrated, are also present.

Thecontainer module1,2 can be placed onto the remaining part of the unit and be removed therefrom again. This is illustrated by the symbolic separation line A. The symbolic separation line B shows that the remaining part of the unit is indeed a component part of the coffee machine and is preferably integrated in the housing of the latter, but that said remaining part of the unit is preferably configured as an independent component which by way of suitable interfaces can be used in known coffee machines. The container module can preferably be tightly closed and on account thereof is suitable also for storing beans that have not yet been ground.

Thecontainer module1,2, preferably thebean container1, has asetting apparatus12 for setting the metering. Said settingapparatus12 is preferably manually activatable and acts mechanically on theportioning device2. Other solutions, for example electronic or electro-mechanical solutions, are however also possible.

Thecontainer module1,2, preferably theportioning device2, furthermore has a grindingdegree setting device23 which acts on a grinding degree variation means42 within the grinder. These two components can also be electronically and/or mechanically effective. Said two components preferably act in a purely mechanical manner.

In some embodiments, an identification marking24 is present on thecontainer module1,2, here on theportioning device2. Thereceptacle module3 has an associatedreading apparatus33. It is a barcode for example, and a corresponding scanner. Thereading apparatus33 is preferably connected to theelectronic control system9 of the unit which also controls thegrinder motor5 and, if present, theelectric drive60 of theportioning device2. Alternatively, a writable data memory, for example an RFID tag, is disposed instead of or additionally to the marking24 on thecontainer module1,2, said writable data memory containing at least information pertaining to the grinding degree.

Thecontainer module1,2 is preferably provided with basic information pertaining to the grinding degree and to the portioning, said basic information enabling the settings of theportioning device2 and of thegrinder4 to be performed in such a manner that an acceptable coffee is already brewed in the initial use of thecontainer module1,2. This basic information can be changed by the user prior to or only after the initial use, depending on the embodiment.

The setting of theportioning device2 leads to a correct quantity of coffee beans to be provided.

This preferably takes place only once thecontainer module1,2 is placed onto themodule receptacle3 and the coffee machine is switched on. Thedrive60 then activates the alreadypre-set portioning device2.

Further items of information I can also be read and be transmitted to thecontrol system9 when connecting thecontainer module1,2 to the remaining part of the coffee machine.

When connecting thecontainer module1,2 to the remaining part of the coffee machine, the desired grinding degree which has been set at thecontainer module1,2 is furthermore transmitted to thegrinder4 and the latter is correspondingly set. Here too, the choice of the grinding degree and the setting of thegrinder4 preferably takes place by way of purely mechanical means. However, electronic or electro-mechanical means can also be used.

Grinding having taken place, the coffee powder M for further processing makes its way into the remaining part of the coffee machine RK. The container module can be used for a next preparation, or said container module can be removed and stored. Asecond container module1,2 with another type of coffee bean can now be connected to the coffee machine, and another type of coffee can be provided without any further complexity and without the flavor being mixed with that of the preceding type of coffee.

FIG.1 shows an exploded illustration of a specific example of the unit according to the invention or apparatus according to a first embodiment, respectively.

Thecoffee bean container1 for receiving coffee beans for a plurality of beverage portions has a hollow-cylindrical can10 which at the top is closable in an almost airtight manner by way of alid11. The partially open base of thecan10 is contiguous to theportioning device2 which is described hereunder and which closes thecan10 on the lower side thereof in a preferably almost airtight manner. Depending on the embodiment, said can may be closed in an airtight manner by means of a lid or a correspondingly designed closure means. The unit formed by thecoffee bean container1 and theportioning device2 is thus suitable for storing coffee beans.

Ahandle element110 is disposed on thelid11 so as to be able to more easily lift and close thelid11. The settingapparatus12 is preferably a setting wheel, here referred to as a settingring12. The settingring12 is pushed over thecan10 and bears on anencircling shoulder102 of thecan10.

Thecan10 has alower base101 which with the exception of an outlet opening, here referred to as thecan outlet103, is configured so as to be closed. Said canoutlet103 is preferably configured in the shape of the sector of a circle. Thebase101 is preferably at least partially configured as an incline and slopes toward thecan outlet103 such that all coffee beans situated in theinterior space100 of thecan10 are guided to thecan outlet103 without any active conveying means. Theinterior space100, thebase101, as well as thecan outlet103 can be readily seen inFIGS.6,7, as well as16ato18b, for example. A flexible, preferablysoft diversion lip13 is disposed on the periphery of thecan outlet103 on thebase101.Said diversion lip13 inFIG.1 is illustrated as a component which has not yet been mounted. Sufficient free space such that jammed coffee beans can divert and are not fixedly jammed or even broken is available behind thediversion lip13.

The metering unit, here referred to as theportioning device2, is disposed below thecoffee bean container1. Said metering unit enables the feeding of an exactly metered quantity of unground coffee beans into thegrinder4 which is disposed downstream. The metered quantity preferably corresponds to a single beverage portion, that is to say that quantity of beans that is required for brewing ground coffee powder for a single cup of coffee. Theportioning device2 herein is capable of being set so as to vary the metered quantity depending on the type of coffee and/or depending on the preference of the coffee drinker.

Theportioning device2 in this example is configured with a metering chamber which can be set by way of a rotating movement. Theportioning device2 has an upperrotating disk20 which has an inherently closed annular casing. The upperrotating disk20, with the exception of a first sector which is configured as a passage opening, has a closed planar cover face which is directed upward.

Said first sector forms anupper chamber part200.

Theportioning device2 furthermore has a lowerrotating disk21 which has a planar base face which is directed downward and which, with the exception of the second sector, is likewise configured so as to be closed. The second sector of the lowerrotating disk21 forms alower chamber part210. The lowerrotating disk21 forms a receptacle for the upperrotating disk20.

The upperrotating disk20 to this end hasreceptacle slots201 in the region of the first sector such that said upperrotating disk20 can be pushed over the lowerrotating disk21. The lowerrotating disk21 has upward-directedspring holders211 which are configured in the shape of sleeves and are preferably provided with springs which are supported in relation to the downward-directed internal side of the upperrotating disk20. The upperrotating disk20 preferably has corresponding fixing receptacles for the ends of the springs, and/or corresponding guiding means202 such as pins or sleeves, for example, for connecting in a guiding manner to thespring holders211. A guiding means202 of this type which simultaneously serves as a receptacle for the springs can be seen inFIGS.6 and7.

The upper and the lowerrotating disk20,21 are thus connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the spacing of saiddisks20,21 is variable in a guided manner. The guiding is performed by thespring holders211 and the guiding means202. The restoring force is ensured by the springs held therein. The tworotating disks20,21 are illustrated in the assembled state inFIG.2. Also, the settingring12 in thisFIG.2 is held in the ready-for-use position on thecan10.

The tworotating disks20,21 are disposed in abase22 of theportioning device2, saidbase22 being readily visible inFIG.1. The base in this example is likewise configured so as to be circular. It has a lower base ring having radially projecting latchingcams220 as well as an upper threaded ring having a smaller diameter than the base ring. The threaded ring of thebase22 is provided with anexternal thread221. The base ring of thebase22, with the exception of thechamber outlet224, is configured so as to be closed toward the bottom. Thebase22 is configured so as to be open toward the top, wherein saidbase22 has an upward-directed base area which, with the exception of the chamber outlet, forms alevel face228. Thisface228 forms the lower limit of the metering chamber, that is to say the base of the latter. The tworotating disks20,21 can be conjointly rotated relative to thebase22 of theportioning device2 such that the connection between the twochamber parts200,210 and thecan outlet103 or thechamber outlet224 is established, depending on the position of saidrotating disks20,21.

The grindingdegree setting device23 is disposed on the outward-directed lower side of thebase22 of theportioning device2, as can likewise be seen inFIG.1. Said grindingdegree setting device23 has arotating ring230 having anarm232 which radially projects from the former in the same plane. Awindow236 in which adisplacement plate233 is displaceably held is present in thearm232. Thedisplacement plate233 on one end side has atooth235, and on an opposite end side bears on a compression spring234 (cf.FIG.10). Afastening disk237 is present on the lower side of therotating ring230, saidfastening disk237 having penetrating fastening bores238, here exactly three bores, which are distributed across the circumference, as well as a central first driveaxle passage opening239.

The elements mentioned here, that is to say thecoffee bean container1 as well as theportioning device2 which also comprises the grindingdegree setting device23, conjointly form thecontainer module1,2. Thiscontainer module1,2 can be fastened on themodule receptacle3 which is likewise illustrated inFIG.1.

Themodule receptacle3 has areceptacle body30 which is configured so as to be circular-cylindrical and forms a tray which is open toward the top. The encircling casing of themodule receptacle3 has abayonet closure300. A centric bore in which anannular setting disk31 is disposed is situated in the base of the module receptacle. Theannular setting disk31 has alevel gear312 of a bevel gear drive, as can be readily seen inFIG.9. The teeth are not illustrated inFIG.9. However, the toothing of the bevel gear drive can be readily seen inFIG.21. As can likewise be seen inFIGS.9 and10, but also inFIG.1, an upward-directedentrainer310 is disposed on thesetting disk31. A fixingdisk32 which has a centric second drive axle passage opening320 and throughbores321 that are aligned with the fastening bores238 of the fastening disk237 (cf.FIG.1) is disposed in the free center of thesetting disk31. The base of themodule receptacle3, with the exception of the mentioned openings and an eccentrically disposedbean passage opening311, is preferably configured so as to be closed (cf.FIG.3).

Themodule receptacle3 is preferably fixedly connected to thegrinder4. Themodule receptacle3 and thegrinder4 are preferably component parts of a coffee machine. The coffee machine may be fully automatic. Said coffee machine can be a machine for professional use, for example in a coffee shop or a restaurant, or for the private domestic use. The coffee machine may however also be a semi-automatic machine or an electric machine of relatively simple construction for domestic use.

The machine is not completely illustrated. The parts not shown are usual known components of a coffee machine of this type. Only abase plate7 of a housing of a coffee machine of this type is shown here. Thebase plate7 can form the surface of the coffee machine or be disposed so as to be recessed in the housing of the machine. Themodule receptacle3 is fastened on thisbase plate7 by way of corresponding screws or other known fastening means. Thegrinder4 is likewise fixed to thebase plate7. This can be readily seen inFIG.1. In other embodiments, parts of themodule receptacle3 are disposed above the base plate and other parts below, that is to say within the housing of the coffee machine. In particular, thesetting disk31, also referred to as the adjustment wheel for thegrinder4, can be disposed within the housing.

Thegrinder4 will be described in yet more detail further below in the text. Saidgrinder4, as can be seen inFIG.1, has abean inlet41 as well as the variation means for the grinder, here in the form of aunion nut42. The vertically aligned grindingdisks430,440 which will be described later are disposed in saidunion nut42. Thegrinder4 is connected to the first motor, that is to say to thegrinder motor5. The latter is preferably an electric motor.

Adrive axle6 which protrudes upward through thebase plate7 and in the assembled state protrudes through the second drive axle passage opening320 of themodule receptacle30 can likewise be seen inFIG.1. Saiddrive axle6, in the case of acontainer module1,2 which is in place, penetrates the first drive axle passage opening239 as well as a third drive axle passage opening222 of thebase22 of theportioning device2, and is received in a rotationally fixed manner in a firstdrive axle receptacle212 of the lower rotating disk21 (cf.FIGS.6,16b, and17b). Thedrive axle receptacle212 is preferably configured as a jaw clutch.

It can be readily seen inFIG.3 how thecontainer module1,2 can be placed onto themodule receptacle3 and thus is connectable to thegrinder4 of the coffee machine.

It can be demonstrated by means ofFIGS.4 to8 how the setting of the metering takes place. The spacing of the upperrotating disk20 from the lowerrotating disk21 can be selected by manually rotating the settingring12 along thethread221 of thebase22 of theportioning device2. In order for the user to obtain an indication pertaining to the position selected by him/her or to be potentially selected by him/her, a scale is present on the casing of thecan10, preferably above the rotatingring12, or other marks are attached thereto. Said marks are not illustrated in the figures.

A metering chamber having the maximum volume is illustrated in the position of therotating ring12 according toFIGS.4 and6. As can be readily seen inFIG.6, theupper chamber part200 and thelower chamber part210 lie on top of one another and barely engaging one another.

The rotatingring12 is turned downward inFIGS.5 and7, on account of which said rotatingring12 has also entrained thecan10. Thecan10 herein has not been conjointly rotated since said can10 is secured against rotation in relation to thebase22. The rotatingring12 moreover bears on theshoulder102 and is rotatable relative to the latter. Thecan10 herein has pushed the upperrotating disk20 downward against the lowerrotating disk21. Theupper chamber part200 has been pushed into thelower chamber part210. On account thereof, the entire metering chamber has been reduced in size and minimized, as can be readily seen inFIG.7. The movement of the settingring12 has thus only varied the mutual relative axial position of the tworotating disks20,21. Therotating disks20,21 have however not been rotated. The rotatingring12 and thus the selected metering setting can be held in their respective position by way of known means, for example by means of a spring and a ball, or a ball-head compression piece.

In this exemplary embodiment, metering in the range from 5 to 20 g of beans, preferably from 7 to 15 g of beans, can be achieved by means of varying the size of themetering chamber200,210. Other ranges can also be achieved by selecting other dimensions on other shapes of the chamber parts.

Thecontainer module1,2 is illustrated when viewed from above and without thelid11 inFIG.8. The upperrotating disk20 having the sector-shaped cutout which forms theupper chamber part200 can be readily seen.

The setting and thus the selection of the metering quantity preferably takes place manually by rotating the settingring12. The size of the metering chamber is varied on account thereof.

The metering, that is to say the measuring of the desired quantity of beans for the subsequent grinding and the subsequent preparation of the coffee, in a simple embodiment likewise takes place manually in that thechamber200,210 is first rotated to a filling position so as to be filled with beans from thecan10, and subsequently to an emptying position, thus to an open position above thebean inlet41 of thegrinder4.

The metering is however preferably performed automatically when the coffee machine is activated so as to brew a portion of coffee. To this end, theportioning device2 is preferably electrically driven. To this end, thedrive axle6 is preferably connected to the second motor or thedrive60 which is illustrated inFIG.23. The second motor is preferably disposed within the housing of the coffee machine and is activated by way of the electronic control system of the machine. If coffee is to be brewed, saiddrive axle6 is thus first activated. Since saiddrive axle6 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the lowerrotating disk21 saiddrive axle6 thus rotating entrains the lowerrotating disk21 and the upperrotating disk20 and also themetering chamber200,210.

Thechamber200,210 is first moved to a position in which saidchamber200,210 is open in relation to theinterior space100 of thecan10 such that coffee beans slide across theincline101 into thechamber200,210 until the latter is full. The metering herein takes place by way of the pre-set size of thechamber200,210. No sensors or other measuring means are necessary to this end. The upperrotating disk20 and the lowerrotating disk21, having thechamber200,210 thereof filled, are subsequently rotated until thechamber200,210 which is open toward the bottom comes to lie above thechamber outlet224 of thebase22 of theportioning device2. The coffee beans now slide out of thechamber200,210 and through thebean inlet41 into thegrinder4. Thegrinder4 as a function of the electronic control system of the coffee machine is activated already prior thereto, only at this point in time, or shortly thereafter.

Thegrinder4 will be described hereunder by means ofFIGS.13 to15. Saidgrinder4 has the already mentionedbean inlet41 which in this example is continuous in the form of anarcuate infeed duct410. This component has aflange411 having fastening bores400 for fastening to a fixeddisk flange43, said fastening bores400 being illustrated inFIG.13. A counter bearing40 for receiving and mounting a conveyingrotor441 is configured on the opposite side of the preferably integral component. The conveyingrotor441 by way of a connectingnut50 at the opposite end thereof is connected to a drive shaft of thegrinder motor5.

The fixedgrinding disk430 is held in a rotationally fixed manner in the fixeddisk flange43. The fixeddisk flange43, as also the remaining components of thegrinder4 that will be described hereunder, has a central passage opening432 which is penetrated by the conveyingrotor441. The fixeddisk flange43 has radially projectingcams431 which engage in afirst groove420 of a bayonet closure of theunion nut42. Thefirst nut420 of the bayonet closure, in terms of the axial cross-sectional face of theunion nut42, lies on an inclined plane, that is to say at an angle in relation to the conveyingrotor441. On account thereof, the fixeddisk flange43, conjointly with the fixedgrinding disk430, is axially displaced in the rotation of theunion nut42, but said fixeddisk flange43 and said fixedgrinding disk430 are not rotated. Since thebean inlet41 is likewise fixedly connected to the fixeddisk flange43, thebean inlet41, conjointly with the fixeddisk flange43, is also axially displaced. This rotation of theunion nut42 takes place when placing and fixing thecontainer module1,2 on the module receptacle, as has already been described by means ofFIGS.9 and10, since thesetting disk31 on account thereof is rotated to a predefined position and drives theunion nut42.

As can be seen inFIGS.13 and14, a rotatingrace grinding disk440 which is held in a rotationally fixed manner in arace disk flange44 follows the fixedgrinding disk430. Therace disk flange44 is fixedly connected to the conveyingrotor441 or even configured conjointly with the conveyingrotor441 as an integral component, as is illustrated here.

Therace disk flange44 is held so as to be rotatable in agrinder housing45. Saidrace disk flange44 has a downward-directedpassage opening450 as well ascams451 which project in a radially outward manner. Thecams451 engage in asecond groove421 of theunion nut42 such that thegrinder housing45 is held in theunion nut42, wherein saidgrinder housing45 is rotatable relative to saidunion nut42. Thesecond groove421 runs in a plane perpendicular to the conveyingrotor441 such that therace disk flange44 and therace grinding disk440 held therein do not move axially during the rotation.

Thegrinder housing45 of thegrinder4 is rigidly positioned and by means of fastening bores452 connected indirectly or directly to thebase plate7. Thegrinder housing45 has a downward-directedcoffee powder outlet450 which leads to a brewing unit of the coffee machine (not illustrated here).

A conveyingspring47, preferably in the form of a helical spring, is preferably disposed between the counter bearing40 and therace disk flange44. The conveyingspring47, in particular in the form thereof configured as a helical spring, serves for conveying the coffee beans within thegrinder4. Alternatively or additionally, the conveyingrotor441 can be configured with a conveying worm so as to convey the coffee beans within thegrinder4.

It is to be noted that the conveyingrotor441 and preferably also the conveyingspring47 extend right into thearcuate infeed duct410, as can be readily seen inFIG.15. The coffee beans are thus conveyed in an optimal manner already at the inlet to thegrinder4. The conveyingspring47 is preferably connected to the conveyingrotor441 in a rotationally secured manner, for example fastened to the conveyingspring47 by means of hooks or another mechanical manner.

Thegrinder4 by means of the grindingdegree setting device23, also referred to as the grinder setting device, can now be set to a desired grinding degree. This will be explained hereunder by means ofFIGS.9 to12.

FIGS.11 and12 show thecontainer module1,2 from below. Thechamber outlet224 which is situated so as to be eccentric in the region of the external circumference can be readily seen. The base, with the exception of the already mentioned first driveaxle passage opening239, is otherwise configured so as to be closed. For reasons of production technology, said base here is provided with webs and ribs. Other design embodiments of the lower side of the base are possible. Thearm232 which in comparison to the illustration according toFIGS.9 and10 is now illustrated from the other side can likewise be readily seen. Thedisplacement plate233 which on this side is disposed in a recessed manner can likewise be seen through thewindow236.

Said lower side has a detent latching pattern which comprises the above-mentioneddisplacement plate233 and agear rim segment225. Thetooth235 of thedisplacement plate233 can be brought to engage in saidgear rim segment225. To this end, thedisplacement plate233 is pushed manually, counter to the spring force of thecompression spring234, rearward toward the longitudinal central axis of the apparatus such that thetooth235 is released from the toothing. Thedisplacement plate233, conjointly with therotating ring230, is then pivoted about the longitudinal central axis, thedisplacement plate233 is released by the user, and thetooth235 is brought to engage with thegear rim segment225 again in a desired position. The various rotary positions of thetooth235 in the case of an assembled apparatus result in different positions of the grindingdisks430,440 of thegrinder4, as is explained further below in the text. In order for the corresponding grinding disk settings to be identified, a corresponding marking is preferably attached along thegear rim segment225. Said marking is not illustrated here.

Anentrainment groove226 for receiving theentrainer310 of thesetting disk31 of themodule receptacle3 is situated at one end, here the upper end of thegear rim segment225.

The activation of thedisplacement plate233 and thus the setting along thegear rim segment225 takes place in that a user places one of his/her fingers through thewindow236 and onto thedisplacement plate233, slightly depresses and displaces the latter rearward toward the longitudinal central axis. When the desired rotary position of thetooth235 is reached, the user withdraws his/her finger and releases thedisplacement plate233 again such that thetooth235 can latch in the desired position.

The position in which the grindingdisks430,440 upon fastening the container module are at a maximum mutual spacing and in which a coffee powder with coarse grains is thus obtained is illustrated inFIG.11. The position in which the grindingdisks430,440 upon fastening the container module are at a minimum mutual spacing and in which a coffee powder with fine grain is thus obtained is illustrated inFIG.12. As can be seen by means of the multiplicity of teeth of thegear rim segment225, a plurality of intermediate positions are possible and a very fine grading of the grinding degree can thus be achieved. The spacing between the grindingdisks430,440 can preferably be varied in the range from 100 μm to 800 μm, preferably from approximately 250 μm to approximately 600 μm, and even more preferably from approximately 200 μm to approximately 600 μm.

It can now be seen inFIGS.9 and10 how the various rotary positions of thetooth235 affect thegrinder4. When thecontainer module1,2 is placed on themodule receptacle3, this preferably takes place by means of thebayonet closure300 of themodule receptacle3 and the associated latchingcams220 of theportioning device2. On account thereof, the grindingdegree setting device23 comes to bear on thesetting disk31. In order for the bayonet closure connection to be established, thecontainer module1,2 is rotated within themodule receptacle3, preferably by 90°, as can be seen when comparingFIGS.17aand18a. On account of the rotation of thecontainer module1,2 therotating ring230 with thearm232 thereof is also conjointly rotated. As soon as thearm232 impacts theentrainer310, thesetting disk31 is likewise conjointly rotated specifically to the rotary position which is predefined by the settings of thearm232.

Thefirst bevel gear312 of thesetting disk31 is thus likewise rotated and revolves along thesecond bevel gear422 of theunion nut42. Theunion nut42 is rotated on account of the revolving action, in particular on account of the beveled toothing.

The rotation of theunion nut42 results in the fixeddisk flange43, conjointly with the fixedgrinding disk430, being moved axially in the direction of therace grinding disk440. The spacing between the fixeddisk flange43 and therace disk flange44 decreases. This spacing here is referred to as thefirst spacing80 and can be seen inFIGS.16b,17b, and18b. On account thereof, asecond spacing81 between the fixedgrinding disk430 and therace grinding disk440 likewise decreases.

Since the conveyingrotor441 is held so as to be axially displaceable in the counter bearing40, theconveyor rotor441 is not displaced.

The longer the path on which theentrainer310 can be entrained by thearm232, the longer theunion nut42 can rotate, and the farther theunion nut42 can move the fixeddisk flange43 axially toward therace disk flange44. The smaller thus the spacing between the two grindingdisks430 and440, and the finer the grinding degree set. In the setting according toFIG.11 the path of the entrainer is relatively short, said path being relatively long in the setting according toFIG.12.

The displacement of thebean inlet41 conjointly with the fixeddisk flange43 in this embodiment is present by virtue of the very compact construction mode. A displacement of this type can be avoided in other embodiments. In the case of thebean inlet41 being axially displaced, saidbean inlet41 is preferably configured of sufficient size so that saidbean inlet41 in all positions of displacement forms a receptacle opening of a size corresponding to the size of thebean outlet224.

The grindingdisks430,440 preferably moved to an initial setting when the container module is removed. The grindingdisks430,440 in this initial setting are situated at a maximum mutual spacing. The initial setting of the grindingdisks430,440 can be achieved by means of a restoring spring, for example, as soon as thecontainer module1,2 is removed and theunion nut42 is thus released from thesetting disk31. The initial setting can also be achieved by way of a resetting motor or by other means. The grindingdisks430,440 can be brought back to the desired mutual spacing when the container module is re-fastened.

The drive spindle and thus the grinder preferably still continue to be operated beyond a predefined duration once the grinding procedure has ended, so as to convey all coffee powder out of thegrinder4. This operation can take place at the same or at another rotating speed.

The comparison ofFIGS.16ato18bshows the various positions of the individual components and the elements thereof prior to fitting thecontainer module1,2 (FIGS.16a,16b), briefly after the placing thereof in a not yet rotated position (FIGS.17aand17b), as well as once rotation of thecontainer module1,2 has taken place such that the grindingdisks430 and440 are situated at the desired mutual spacing, and once activation of thedrive axle6 has taken place, such that also thechamber200,210 of theportioning device2 is already situated above thebean inlet41 of the grinder4 (FIGS.18aand18b).

Thecontainer module1,2 can be easily removed again, closed and stored for the next use, for example in the fridge, once the brewing procedure has ended. The settings pertaining to the metering and to the grinding degree can be maintained without change, or be changed if required. A second or third container module which is of identical construction but is filled with another type of coffee beans and/or has another setting pertaining to the metering and/or another setting pertaining to the grinding degree can subsequently be connected to the module receptacle, and another type of coffee can be brewed immediately, without any further settings by the user, at the appropriate metering and the appropriate grinding degree and without compromising the aroma on account of the preceding coffee.

A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIGS.19 to22. This embodiment is designed so as to be substantially identical to the first embodiment. However, the setting of the grinding degree is now performed laterally on thecontainer module1,2. As can be seen inFIG.21 a bevel gear drive is again present, having afirst bevel gear312 and asecond bevel gear422. Therotating ring230 and thearm232 radially projecting on the latter are also present. Anangular element233′ is disposed so as to be sprung on thearm232, wherein theangular element233′ has aleg233″ which is directed upward and bears on the external circumference of thecontainer module1,2. This can be readily seen inFIGS.19 and22. Acurved rack235′ which can be brought to engage with thegear rim segment225 is disposed on theangular element233′. Saidrack235′ thus replaces thetooth235 of the first example. The movement of thesetting disk31 is predetermined and the grinding degree is thus set on account thereof here too. Thesetting disk31 in this example possesses twoentrainers310,310′ which are diametrically opposed. However, only one entrainer can also only be used here, or two entrainers can be present in the first example, respectively. As can be readily seen inFIG.22, the grinding degree can now be set and the grinder setting be defined in that theleg233″ of theangular element233′ is pushed radially inward from the outside, and thearm232 having therotating ring230 theangular element23″ is displaced by a specific angle. A marking or a scale is preferably disposed on the circumference of thecontainer module1,2 so as to be adjacent to theleg233″.

A further preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is illustrated inFIGS.24 to33. The settings, and the transmission of the settings to the portioning device and the grinder, in this example again take place in a purely mechanical manner. However, it is also possible for only the portioning device or the grinder to be set mechanically, or for the one setting to be transmitted mechanically and the other setting, or transmission, to be performed electronically, or by means of data transfer. The apparatus is configured so as to be substantially identical to the description above such that the above disclosure also applies to this exemplary embodiment, unless differences which are explained hereunder or visible in the figures are present.

The container module according toFIG.24 has acoffee bean container1 having a can10 for receiving coffee beans which have not yet been ground, as well as alid11 which closes thecan10 preferably in an airtight manner. Thelid11 in this example has a radially projectingpushbutton element111. Theportioning device2 and the grindingdegree setting device23 are disposed in or on acentral housing part14, respectively, which is preferably fixedly connected to thecan10.

Saidhousing part14 is preferably screw-fitted to saidcan10. Thecentral housing part14 preferably has a smaller external diameter than thecan10. Saidcentral housing part14 is surrounded by alower setting ring12 and anupper setting ring25. Alower housing part15 is fixedly connected to thecentral housing part14 from below. Saidlower housing part15 is preferably screw-fitted to thecentral housing part14. Depending on the embodiment, the connection is releasable and re-establishable, or not separable in a non-destructive manner.

Thecontainer module1,2 is configured so as to be substantially circular-cylindrical and has an external diameter which is preferably consistent across the entire height. Only thelid11 has a different external diameter, depending on the embodiment.

The portion size to be ground can be selected by means of theupper setting ring12, while the grinding degree can be selected by means of thelower setting ring25. Theupper setting ring12 is preferably not variable in terms of the height thereof, while thelower setting ring25 has to be preferably lifted or pulled down, depending on the embodiment, before saidlower setting ring25 can be rotated. At least oneleaf spring27 which is disposed between thelower setting ring25 and theupper setting ring12 ensures that thelower setting ring25 when not in use is restored to the lower position thereof. Theleaf spring27 is preferably jammed between thelower setting ring25 and a radially projecting periphery of thelower housing part15. This can be seen inFIG.26. Thecontainer module1,2 can again be fastened on themodule receptacle3 of a coffee apparatus. This is illustrated inFIG.25. The latchingcams220 in this example are directed radially inward, as can be readily seen inFIGS.31 and32. Thegrinder4 and thegrinder motor5 are illustrated inFIG.25 and will not be described once again in detail. However, theinfeed duct410 in this embodiment leads from the longitudinal central axis of the container module outward, and thegrinder4 is correspondingly disposed not adjacent to said longitudinal central axis L but so as to be peripheral to thecontainer module1,2. Thegrinder motor5 is correspondingly disposed on the opposite side. Themechanical coupling31,42 between the grinder setting device and thegrinder4 likewise takes place in a manner peripheral to the container module. This arrangement facilitates the adaptation to existing coffee apparatuses.

Theportioning device2 also in this example is connected to a drive, for example an electric motor, by way of thedrive axle6, as is illustrated inFIG.25. The associated firstdrive axle receptacle212 and thirddrive axle receptacle222 are identified inFIGS.26 and27. The size of themetering chamber200,210 is selected by means of theupper setting ring12 also in this example, should said size of themetering chamber200,210 not already been set to the desired size on account of the previous use of the container module. When thecontainer module1,2 is placed onto the coffee apparatus and the coffee apparatus is activated, thedrive60 rotates the filledmetering chamber200,210 to thechamber outlet224 and releases the bean portion to be ground through theinfeed duct410 into thegrinder4.

Themetering chamber200,210 is again formed by the upperrotating disk20 and the lowerrotating disk21, saiddisks20,21 being mutually displaceable in the axial direction. Anupper metering part26 which is likewise displaceable in the axial direction relative to the lowerrotating disk21 is disposed above the upperrotating disk20. Theupper metering part26 and the upperrotating disk20 conjointly form an upper chamber part; the lowerrotating disk21 forms a lower chamber part. Depending on the configuration of theupper metering part26, saidupper metering part26 is indeed axially displaceable conjointly with the lowerrotating disk20 but does not participate in terms of the volume of theupper metering chamber200. Depending on the configuration of themetering part26, the latter is not part of the upper chamber part but can be axially displaced so as to axially displace the upperrotating disk21.

The lower region of thecentral housing part14 preferably forms the base of the portioning device and thus the upward-directedplanar face228 which, depending on the rotary position of the metering chamber, closes said chamber toward the bottom. Thechamber outlet224 leads downward through thecentral housing part14 and thelower housing part15. In other embodiments, the base of the portioning device is formed by thelower housing part15 or another component.

In order for the size of themetering chamber200,210 to be varied, the settingring12 can be rotated relative to thecan10. Theupper metering part26 preferably forms a lower limit of thecan10, that is to say amovable base262 of thecan10. Thediversion lip13 is again preferably disposed on themovable base262. Theupper metering part26 is preferably disposed in thecentral housing part14.

Theupper metering part26 on the circumference thereof has outwardly projecting external thread portions260 (FIG.30) which engage in aninternal thread121 of the setting ring12 (FIG.26). Theseexternal thread portions260 herein penetratewindows140 of thecentral housing part14. When theupper setting ring12 is rotated along saidwindows140, theupper metering part26 is pushed downward or upward, respectively, while the upperrotating disk20 is likewise displaced downward or upward, respectively, and the spacing from the lowerrotating disk21 as well as the size of themetering chamber200,210 is varied.

Clearances orconcavities261 are furthermore present on the circumference of themetering part26. Said clearances orconcavities261 enable a void for screw heads (not illustrated here) for connecting thecan10 to thecentral housing part14. The filledmetering chamber200,210 when in operation can be emptied into thegrinder4 by rotating theupper chamber part20 and thelower chamber part21 by means of thedrive6. Theupper metering part26 herein is preferably not conjointly rotated.

In order for a metering once selected not to be able to be unintentionally adjusted when the container module is removed from the coffee apparatus, fixing of the settingring12 is preferably provided. In this embodiment, the settingring12 to this end has circular bores ordepressions120 on the upper end side of said settingring12, as can be readily seen inFIG.28. Thedepressions120 can be disposed so as to be distributed across the entire circumference, or be situated only in a portion of said circumference, as is illustrated here. At least one spring-mountedball16 which is lifted when the settingring12 is rotated and in the resting position is lowered in a sprung manner into one of thedepressions120 and thus fixes the settingring12 in the rotary position thereof is provided on the lower end side of thecan10. This can be seen inFIGS.28 and26, wherein theball16 is illustrated only by indicating the reference sign. A plurality ofballs16 of this type are preferably present.

This embodiment has the advantage that thecan10 or theportioning device2 do not have to be conjointly rotated when the metered quantity is being set. Only thesetting ring12 is rotated for selecting the quantity of coffee beans to be ground. Moreover, the restoring springs and thus thespring holders211 can be dispensed with. The assembly at the factory is thus simplified, and the production and material costs are minimized. It is furthermore advantageous that theupper setting ring12 can be configured so as to be flush with the casing face of thecan10.

The setting of the grinding degree now likewise takes place by means of a rotating ring, specifically by means of thelower setting ring25. The transmission of this setting to the grinder preferably takes place as to date, in a purely mechanical manner by way of thesetting disk31, to thesecond bevel gear422 of theunion nut42 and thus to the grinder4 (cf.FIG.25). Thesetting disk31 again has theentrainer310, thearm232 of therotating ring230 impacting the latter. Therotating ring230 can be readily seen inFIGS.31 to34.

In this example, thesetting disk31 is disposed within thebase plate7 of the housing of the coffee machine. To this end, thebase plate7 has apassage opening70 for theentrainer310.

The grinding degree setting, as opposed to the exemplary embodiments described above, has a gearing which is disposed between thelower setting ring25 and therotating ring230. The rotatablelower setting ring25 has a lowerinternal gearing250 which when rotating thelower setting ring25 revolves along a gear having anexternal toothing251. A furtherexternal toothing252 having a smaller external diameter is fixedly connected to said external toothing in a concentric manner, but so as to be coaxially offset to the latter. Said furtherexternal toothing252 revolves on aninternal toothing253 of therotating ring230, rotates thesetting ring230 in a manner corresponding to the rotation of thelower setting ring25 and thus determines the position of thearm232 of therotating ring230. The potential path of theentrainer310 is determined on account thereof, and on account thereof the setting of thegrinder4. Theinternal toothing253 is preferably disposed on a segment which projects axially from the base area of therotating ring230. Therotating ring230 is also preferably configured as a segment.

In order for a selected setting of the grinding degree not to be able to be involuntarily changed while removing thecontainer module1,2 from the coffee apparatus and during the subsequent storing of thecontainer module1,2, thelower housing part15 on the upper end side thereof has atoothing150 in which corresponding matching shapes on the lower end face of thelower setting ring25 engage. This is illustrated inFIG.30. The lowerrotating ring25 thus has to be lifted in order to be rotated. The at least oneleaf spring27 subsequently guarantees the restoring action.

Thelower setting ring25 on the internal circumference thereof preferably has a partial orencircling latching pattern255 which provides the user with a haptic and/or acoustic signal when the settingring25 is rotated so that the user is certain of performing a setting of the grinding degree.

This embodiment enables an unpretentious and classic appearance and is visually appealing by virtue of the two setting rings12,25 which are flush with the surface. The use of the two setting rings12,25 which are readily accessible from the outside enables safe and simple handling of thecontainer module1,2.

A further exemplary embodiment according to the invention is illustrated inFIGS.35 to45. The construction corresponds substantially to the variant according to the third exemplary embodiment. Two setting rings12,25 which can be rotated relative to the coffee bean container and thecentral housing part14 and thelower housing part15 so as to select the setting on the metering device, or on theportioning device2, as well as the grinding degree are present here too. The setting rings12,25 now have afluted periphery122,256 which is easy to grip, as well as markings. The locationally fixed reference marking is to be found on theintervening region141 of thecentral housing part14.

As opposed to the previous examples, the base of thecoffee bean container1 is configured so as to be open. Said base has anexternal thread104 which engages in an internal thread of thecentral housing part14. This can be readily seen inFIG.40. Theportioning device2 is disposed in thecentral housing part14, while the grindingdegree setting device23 is disposed on thelower housing part15. Thecentral housing part14 and thelower housing part15 are preferably fixedly connected to one another. In other embodiments, however, saidcentral housing part14 and saidlower housing part15 are connected to one another so as to be releasable in a non-destructive manner, in particular for the purpose of simple cleaning. The connection can be a plug connection, for example.

Thecoffee bean container1 in this exemplary embodiment is configured so as to be circular-cylindrical. No lid is present. The end of thecoffee bean container1 which is directed upward when in use is configured so as to be closed, as can be seen inFIG.40. Thecoffee bean container1 when not in use can be separated from thecentral housing part14 and be closed with an airtight lid. The coffee beans which are currently not in use can thus be stored in an optimal manner. Thecentral housing part14 and thelower housing part15 can moreover be cleaned more easily in this way. Moreover, thecoffee bean container1 can thus be configured as a single-use part. Thecentral housing part14 and thelower housing part15 which conjointly form a portioning device and grinding degree setting device module can be used multiple times. In other embodiments, the coffee bean container also has an opening at the upper end, said opening being able to be closed in an airtight manner by a lid.

Theportioning device2 is otherwise configured so as to be substantially identical to the exemplary embodiment according toFIGS.24 to30. The same parts are also provided with the same reference signs here. Theupper metering part26, the upperrotating disk20, and the lowerrotating disk21 can be readily seen inFIG.45. As opposed to the previous example, theupper metering part26 hasreinforcement ribs263. Moreover, no concavities are present since thecan10 of thecoffee bean container1 is screw-fitted onto thecentral housing part14. The functioning mode is the same as in the previous example. It is to be noted that the base of thechamber200 is configured so as to be open, as in the previous examples, and the body of the lowerrotating disk21 that is open toward the top and extends almost across three quarters of a circle is preferably configured so as to be closed toward the bottom. Theupper metering part26, with the exception of thebase262, is likewise configured so as to be open toward the bottom, that is to say that the casing of themetering part26 forms a ring in the remaining region. Theupper metering part26 closes off the metering chamber toward the top when the tworotating disks20,21 are rotated such that the metering chamber is opened toward the bottom. The portioning device is illustrated at the minimum size of the metering chamber inFIG.40a, while the portioning device is illustrated at the maximum size of the metering chamber inFIG.40b. The chamber per se cannot be readily seen in the two figures by virtue of the selected section.

Theportioning device2 of this embodiment has a rotation safeguard. Said rotation safeguard prevents the metering chamber from opening toward the bottom unintentionally or prematurely, respectively, in particular when the container module is placed onto the coffee machine. Arotation safeguard piston213 is disposed in thelower housing part15. Saidrotation safeguard piston213 at the lower end thereof has the firstdrive axle receptacle212. Anencircling flange214 which is directed radially outward is molded to the upper end of saidrotation safeguard piston213. This can be readily seen inFIGS.43a,43b,44a, and44b. A toothing is present on the lower side of theflange214, as can be readily seen inFIGS.41aand41b. This toothing engages in an upward-directedtoothing151 of thelower housing part15, as can be seen inFIG.41b. A restoringspring29 is disposed between therotation safeguard piston213 and the lowerrotating disk21.

The situation in which the rotating safeguard is active is illustrated inFIGS.41ato44a. This situation prevails when the container module has not yet been inserted on the coffee machine. Theflange214 bears on thelower housing part15; thetoothings215 and151 engaging one another. The restoringspring29 is relaxed and holds the lowerrotating disk21 in an upper position. On account thereof, the lowerrotating disk21 is fixed in relation to thelower housing part15. Said lowerrotating disk21 can thus not be rotated, and themetering chamber200 can thus not be opened toward the bottom.

The situation in which the rotation safeguard is inactive is shown inFIGS.41bto44b. This is the case when the container module is inserted on the coffee machine. In this case, the drive axle6 (cf.FIGS.17band25) engages in the firstdrive axle receptacle212 and lifts therotation safeguard piston213 counter to the spring force of the restoringspring29. On account thereof, theflange214 is lifted, and thetoothings215,151 disengage from one another. Thepolygon216 is engaged with thepolygonal socket217. The lowerrotating disk21 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to therotation safeguard piston213 and thus to thedrive axle6. Said lowerrotating disk21 is moreover released from thelower housing part15 and is rotatable relative to the latter. Thelower chamber part210 and thus the metering chamber can now be open toward the bottom.

A further point of differentiation in relation to the embodiments described above is to be found in the grindingdegree setting device23. The same gearing, or a similar gearing, as in the previous example is present. Therotating ring230 here is also configured in the shape of the segment. Theinternal toothing253 is again disposed so as to axially project in a segment.

Therotating ring230 in this example is held so as to be spring-loaded between thesetting disk31 and thelower housing part15. The corresponding spring is identified by thereference sign28 inFIGS.36,37 and39. The location where the spring is situated in the assembled state of thecontainer module1,2 is identified by an arrow inFIG.40a, without thespring28 being plotted.

Therotating ring230 in this example is configured as a segment. Said rotatingring230 comprises at least 180°. Said rotatingring230 again has twoarms232 which are diametrically opposed. Said twoarms232 in this example are directed downward, as can be readily seen inFIGS.35,39ato39cand40.Cams232′ which project in the radial direction project from therotating ring230 in the region of thearms232. Saidcams232′ can be readily seen in the figures already mentioned.

Thecontainer module1,2 for use is again connected to amodule receptacle3. The associated thereceptacle body30 is illustrated in37a,37b, as well as39a,39b.Said receptacle body30 has a disk for fastening to or in a housing of a coffee machine, as well as abayonet closure300. The latching cams of the portioning device, more specifically of thelower housing part15, engage in a corresponding bayonet thread on the external circumference of thebayonet closure300. Thebayonet closure300 on the internal side thereof has agate guide301. The twocams232′ of therotating ring230 engage in thisgate guide301. Therotating ring230 is thus clamped on both sides.

Thesetting disk31 has twoentrainers310 which are directed upward and which are likewise diametrically opposite. Said entrainers310 are preferably at the same spacing from the longitudinal central axis L as thearms232 which are directed downward toward said entrainers310 (cf.FIG.39a).

When thecontainer module1,2 now is twisted onto thebayonet closure300 therotating ring230 is thus also clamped, wherein saidrotating ring230 along theinternal gate guide301 is pushed upward and thespring28 is compressed. When the container module is twisted further along the bayonet closure into themodule receptacle3, therotating ring230 is either released from thegate guide310 or is guided downward along saidgate guide310. Therotating ring230 is lowered and thespring28 is relaxed. On account thereof, at least one of the twoarms232 contact one or bothentrainers310, respectively, and on account thereof rotate thesetting disk31. Thearms232 herein either engage in theentrainers310 or merely touch saidentrainers310.

The situation as prevails in the case of completely fastened or placed container module, respectively, is illustrated inFIGS.36a,37a,38a, and39a. Theentrainers310 have been contacted and thesetting disk31 has been moved to the desired rotary position.

The situation prior to therotating ring230 being twisted into thebayonet closure300 is illustrated inFIGS.36b,37b,37c,38b,38c,39band39c.

This arrangement permits the grinder to be set in both directions. The grinding degree can thus still be varied even in the case of acontainer module1,2 that has already been mounted on the coffee machine. Therotating ring230 is conjointly rotated in a rotation of the settingring25 in a desired direction. Independently of the rotating direction, at least one of the twoarms232 entrains in each case one or both of theentrainers310, respectively, and thus rotates thesetting disk31.

Theunion nut42 rotates on account of the rotation of thesetting disk31, saidunion nut42 engaging with said settingdisk31, and the grinding disks are thus displaced relative to one another. However, the coffee machine in this exemplary embodiment is preferably also automatically reset to the largest spacing of the grinding disks after use, when the container module is being removed.

The individual features of the exemplary embodiments described above can also be used in the other exemplary embodiments. For example, the screw-fittable coffee bean container can thus also be used in the first three exemplary embodiments. The same applies, for example, to the grinding degree setting of the fourth embodiment. The latter can also be used in the first three exemplary embodiments.

Individual aspects of the apparatuses described here are furthermore claimed as separate inventions which can also be used without the remaining elements, for example without the inventive concept of the container module. For example, various types of the mechanical setting of the grinder described here can also be used in other coffee apparatuses, but in particular not exclusively in combination with the manual grinding degree setting device. The different variants of the portioning device, having the two chamber parts which are variable in terms of their mutual spacing and which form a metering chamber of variable size and which are preferably configured so as to be at least partially rotatable and axially displaceable can also be in other portioning devices, for example without a grinding degree setting device and/or without coupling to a coffee apparatus. The individual elements of the grinder, in particular the disposal of the conveying worm in the preferably arcuate infeed duct, can also be used in other grinders, independently of the container module described.

Instead of a purely mechanical embodiment, information, for example pertaining to the grinding degree, can also be transmitted to the grinder by way of a data transfer, as has been mentioned above. A writable data memory can be present on the container module, a grinding degree matching the type of coffee preferably being already entered therein by the manufacturer. The coffee apparatus, for example the coffee mill or the coffee machine, preferably has a scanning and reading unit which communicates with the control system of the grinder or is part of said control system. The user of the device however has the possibility of varying the grinding degree, for example, in that said user enters a corresponding input pertaining to a desired current grinding degree into the coffee apparatus, for example into the control system by way of an input module. This new selection of the grinding degree is transferred to the data memory of the container module by way of the scanning and reading unit and is stored in said data memory so as to stand by as the basis for the next activation of the apparatus. In this embodiment, the grinding degree is thus no longer manually set at the container module but by way of a writable data memory on the container module, wherein a variation of the actual grinding degree is entered by the user at the apparatus and not at the container module. Instead of the grinding degree, other data can thus be stored and individually varied by the user, such as the running time of the grinder, the speed of the grinder, the water temperature when brewing, the size of the cup to be filled when dispensing the coffee, for example.

In another embodiment, the setting of the grinding degree takes place as before manually and preferably mechanically at the container module. The transmission of the information pertaining to the grinding degree setting however does not take place mechanically but by way of a sensor which is preferably disposed in or on themodule receptacle3 and which communicates with the control system of the grinder. The sensor reads the setting of the grinding degree selected by the user from the container module and transmits said setting to the control system of the grinder, whereupon the grinder is correspondingly set.

The unit according to the invention thus permits simple and user-friendly switching between types of coffee and/or metering settings and/or grinding degree settings without previously brewed coffee leading to the flavor of the subsequently brewed coffee being compromised.

Claims (36)

The invention claimed is:

1. A unit of a coffee apparatus, comprising a coffee bean container for storing the coffee beans, a portioning device for metering the coffee beans for the coffee beverage, and a grinder for grinding the metered coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean container and the portioning device are configured in a common container module, wherein the unit has a module receptacle to which the container module when in use is connectable and from which said container module after use is removable, and wherein the container module has user-selectable settings of a metered quantity and of a grinding degree, wherein the setting of the metered quantity affects the portioning device so as to vary the metered quantity and the setting of the grinding degree affects the grinder so as to vary the grinding degree, wherein the portioning device has a metering chamber, wherein a received volume of the metering chamber is variable for the purpose of setting the metered quantity and wherein the received volume is varied by varying the size of the metering chamber.

2. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein at least one of the setting of the metered quantity and the setting of the grinding degree is able to be carried out manually.

3. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein at least one of the setting of the metered quantity and the setting of the grinding degree is able to be carried out prior to connecting the container module to the module receptacle.

4. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein at least one of the setting of the metered quantity and the setting of the grinding degree is able to be carried out after connecting the container module to the module receptacle.

5. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the module receptacle establishes a connection between the portioning device and the grinder, and wherein the module receptacle and the grinder are disposed on or in a housing of the coffee apparatus.

6. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the container module has a writable data memory for communicating with a read/write unit of the module receptacle, wherein at least data pertaining to a current grinding degree setting of the grinder is able to be stored in the data memory.

7. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the settings of the metered quantity and of the grinding degree are performed mechanically, and wherein the effect of the settings takes place mechanically at least on one of the portioning device and the grinder.

8. The unit as claimed inclaim 7, wherein the module receptacle has a sensor for detecting the setting of the grinding degree on the container module, and wherein the sensor communicates with a control system of the apparatus.

9. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the portioning device after connecting the container module to the module receptacle is activatable by means of a drive which is external to the container module, so as to provide a selected metered quantity in the portioning device and to supply said metered quantity to the grinder.

10. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the portioning device has a first rotating disk and a second rotating disk, a mutual spacing of said disks being variable, and said first rotating disk and said second rotating disk being conjointly rotatable relative to the coffee bean container and relative to a base of the portioning device, wherein the metering chamber is configured between the first rotating disk and the second rotating disk, and wherein the metering chamber, depending on a rotary position of the first rotating disk and the second rotating disk, is open in relation to either of the two components of coffee bean container and grinder and closed in relation to the other of said two components.

11. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the portioning device has a first chamber part and a second chamber part, said chamber parts being mutually displaceable in the axial direction, wherein the metering chamber is configured between the first chamber part and the second chamber part, and wherein the metering chamber, depending on a rotary position of at least one of the two chamber parts, is open in relation to either of the two components of coffee bean container and grinder and closed in relation to the other of said two components.

12. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein a setting ring which for setting the metered quantity is disposed so as to be rotatable on a circumference of the coffee bean container is present.

13. The unit as claimed inclaim 12, wherein the setting ring is rotatable relative to the coffee bean container.

14. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the grinder has two grinding disks, wherein at least one of the two grinding disks as a function of the setting of the grinding degree is displaceable when or after connecting the container module to the module receptacle.

15. The unit as claimed inclaim 14, wherein the container module has a grinding degree setting device which when connecting the container module to the module receptacle is able to be mechanically and operatively connected to the grinder, on account of which the spacing of grinding disks of the grinder is varied.

16. The unit as claimed inclaim 14, wherein the setting of the grinding degree on the container module is able to be operatively connected to a rotatable setting disk of the module receptacle, wherein the setting disk is operatively connected to a rotatable union nut of the grinder, and wherein a first grinding disk of the two grinding discs by virtue of the rotation of the union nut is displaceable relative to a second grinding disk of the two grinding discs such that the spacing of said disks is varied.

17. The unit as claimed inclaim 16, wherein the first grinding disk is a non-rotating fixed grinding disk, and the second grinding disk is a rotating race grinding disk.

18. The unit as claimed inclaim 14, wherein the setting of the grinding degree is manually variable in the case of a mounted container module.

19. The unit as claimed inclaim 14, wherein the setting of the grinding degree is variable in the direction of a finer grinding degree as well as in the direction of a coarser grinding degree.

20. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the container module has a setting means for setting the grinding degree, wherein said setting means is disposed on a lower side or on the circumference of the container module.

21. The unit as claimed inclaim 20, wherein the setting means is a setting ring which is disposed so as to be rotatable on a circumference of the coffee bean container.

22. The unit as claimed inclaim 21, wherein the setting ring for setting the grinding degree is rotatable relative to the coffee bean container.

23. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein a rotation safeguard which prevents the portioning device from being prematurely emptied is present.

24. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the coffee bean container is releasably connected to the portioning device, and wherein the portioning device conjointly with a grinding degree setting device for setting the grinding degree forms a sub-module which is configured for connecting to the module receptacle.

25. The unit as claimed inclaim 24, wherein the grinder has a conveying rotor which drives the grinding disks, wherein the conveying rotor is disposed so as to run almost or exactly horizontally and wherein the conveying rotor extends into the bean inlet duct.

26. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the grinder has a conveying rotor which drives the grinding disks, wherein the conveying rotor is disposed so as to run almost or exactly horizontally.

27. The unit as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the grinder has a bean inlet duct which is configured so as to be arcuate.

28. The unit of a coffee apparatus as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the metered quantity can be set for a single cup of coffee or two cups of coffee.

29. The unit of a coffee apparatus as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the setting pertaining to the metering and to the grinding degree are maintained when the container module is removed from the module receptacle.

30. A container module, comprising a coffee bean container for storing the coffee beans and a portioning device for metering the coffee beans for the single portion, wherein the container module has connecting means for releasably connecting to a module receptacle of a coffee apparatus, and wherein the container module has user-selectable settings of a metered quantity and of a grinding degree, and wherein the setting of the metered quantity affects the portioning device so as to vary the metered quantity, and the setting of the grinding degree affects a grinder so as to vary the grinding degree, wherein the portioning device has a metering chamber, wherein a received volume of the metering chamber is variable for the purpose of setting the metered quantity and wherein the received volume is varied by varying the size of the metering chamber.

31. The container module as claimed inclaim 30, wherein the container module has a grinding degree setting device for setting the grinding degree, wherein the grinding degree setting device, which when connecting the container module to the module receptacle is able to be mechanically and operatively connected to the grinder, on account of which the spacing of grinding disks of the grinder is varied.

32. The container module as claimed inclaim 30 wherein the metered quantity can be set for a single cup of coffee or two cups of coffee.

33. The container module as claimed inclaim 30 wherein the setting pertaining to the metering and to the grinding degree are maintained when the container module is removed from the module receptacle.

34. A unit of a coffee apparatus, comprising a coffee bean container for storing the coffee beans, a portioning device for metering the coffee beans for the coffee beverage, and a grinding degree setting device for mechanically and operatively connecting to a grinder for grinding the metered coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean container and the portioning device are configured in a common container module, wherein the unit has a module receptacle to which the container module when in use is connectable and from which said container module after use is removable, and wherein the container module has user-selectable settings of a metered quantity and of a grinding degree, and wherein the setting of the metered quantity affects the portioning device so as to vary the metered quantity and the setting of the grinding degree by means of the grinding degree setting device affects the grinder so as to vary the grinding degree, wherein the portioning device has a metering chamber, wherein a received volume of the metering chamber is variable for the purpose of setting the metered quantity and wherein the received volume is varied by varying the size of the metering chamber.

35. The unit of a coffee apparatus as claimed inclaim 34 wherein the metered quantity can be set for a single cup of coffee or two cups of coffee.

36. The unit of a coffee apparatus as claimed inclaim 34 wherein the setting pertaining to the metering and to the grinding degree are maintained when the container module is removed from the module receptacle.

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